just LOVE this place! If you are looking for simple, delicious Italian food, this is the place to go. We heard good reviews about this place so my husband and I decided to give it a try. We almost missed the place because it is tiny but

3

foodie0802
April 12, 20116L'osteria Del Forno

Delicious simple Italian food

★★★★★

just LOVE this place! If you are looking for simple, delicious Italian food, this is the place to go. We heard good reviews about this place so my husband and I decided to give it a try. We almost missed the place because it is tiny but

Owner is a B...... My husband and I couldn't decide on a main dish to share, so the waitress offered some "marinara" sauce on the side. It was delicious, but we didn't realize it was made from "gold". When I asked for some more, the owner

3

sheriekoch
September 11, 20106L'osteria Del Forno

Owner is a B.....

★★★★★

Owner is a B...... My husband and I couldn't decide on a main dish to share, so the waitress offered some "marinara" sauce on the side. It was delicious, but we didn't realize it was made from "gold". When I asked for some more, the owner

The wait staff was surly and appeared quite bothered to wait on customers. The pasta Bolognese made me wish for a frozen dinner, a frozen dinner offers more food too! If you only accept cash, perhaps they should make note of that prior

3

LyndaJ
November 04, 20096L'osteria Del Forno

Worst meal I have ever had in San Francisco

★★★★★

The wait staff was surly and appeared quite bothered to wait on customers. The pasta Bolognese made me wish for a frozen dinner, a frozen dinner offers more food too! If you only accept cash, perhaps they should make note of that prior

They make such a perfect thin-crusted pizza that since I first discovered them 15 years ago I've had a hard time bringing myself to tour the menu. Due to the tiny kitchen size, they can't get city approval for any cooking devices but the

3

davidB
October 04, 20096L'osteria Del Forno

A taste experience not to be missed

★★★★★

They make such a perfect thin-crusted pizza that since I first discovered them 15 years ago I've had a hard time bringing myself to tour the menu. Due to the tiny kitchen size, they can't get city approval for any cooking devices but the

Afraid that their being listed in Zagat might have changed things, we went back to our favorite Italian food restaurant not knowing what we'd find. Everything is as it was when we left it - the food, the wine and the prices are all exactly

3

SusanRS
November 03, 20086L'osteria Del Forno

Can't Beat this Food for the Money

★★★★★

Afraid that their being listed in Zagat might have changed things, we went back to our favorite Italian food restaurant not knowing what we'd find. Everything is as it was when we left it - the food, the wine and the prices are all exactly

On satuday Feb 23 around 4:30pm my son and I decided to dine at L'Osteria since we've drove by the restruant a few times. As soon as we open the door the waitress gave us a look like, "What do you want!". When we walked in I noticed

3

jbeyer
February 25, 20086L'osteria Del Forno

NOT RECOMMENDED! did not even deserve one star

★★★★★

On satuday Feb 23 around 4:30pm my son and I decided to dine at L'Osteria since we've drove by the restruant a few times. As soon as we open the door the waitress gave us a look like, "What do you want!". When we walked in I noticed

This place doesn't feel touristy like most of the 'authentic Italian' restaurants in North Beach. While I'm not an Italian or an Italy expert, I've traveled a bit through Italy and I wouldn't call the place authentic.

The food was just ok for the price. The ambiance might be nice for a date as another reviewer suggested.

What really bugged me was that they served over priced by the glass wine in cups! This burns me the most. When I pay $8.00 a glass I don't really expect to be blown away by the wine, but I do at least expect to be able to taste it. Call me snobby, but I don't think tiny little cups really should be used for wine consumption. This isn't 'authentic' either. Nowhere in Italy had the audacity to serve wine in crappy cup. And if they did, it certainly wasn't $8.00 a glass.

I probably wouldn't go back because of the wine thing (and the tiny prison cell bathroom) but the food's not bad. It's not great either.

This place doesn't feel touristy like most of the 'authentic Italian' restaurants in North Beach. While I'm not an Italian or an Italy expert, I've traveled a bit through Italy and I wouldn't call the place authentic.

The food was just ok for the price. The ambiance might be nice for a date as another reviewer suggested.

What really bugged me was that they served over priced by the glass wine in cups! This burns me the most. When I pay $8.00 a glass I don't really expect to be blown away by the wine, but I do at least expect to be able to taste it. Call me snobby, but I don't think tiny little cups really should be used for wine consumption. This isn't 'authentic' either. Nowhere in Italy had the audacity to serve wine in crappy cup. And if they did, it certainly wasn't $8.00 a glass.

I probably wouldn't go back because of the wine thing (and the tiny prison cell bathroom) but the food's not bad. It's not great either.

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jackbrokethecrownAug 06.

There is a perfectly good reason why I'd give this restaurant three stars. A good friend of mine and I went into the city to bum around North Beach and hang out to get away from the East Bay. Neither of us look too particularly young,

3

jackbrokethecrown
August 06, 20076L'osteria Del Forno

If you're young...

★★★★★

There is a perfectly good reason why I'd give this restaurant three stars. A good friend of mine and I went into the city to bum around North Beach and hang out to get away from the East Bay. Neither of us look too particularly young,

I waited for a table for an hour outside and when I finally was seated ordered polenta with gruyere as an entree. It arrived on an off white oval plate with absolutley no garnish or color. The cheese gave it next to no flavor and looked

3

pincenez
November 12, 20066L'osteria Del Forno

Tasteless.

★★★★★

I waited for a table for an hour outside and when I finally was seated ordered polenta with gruyere as an entree. It arrived on an off white oval plate with absolutley no garnish or color. The cheese gave it next to no flavor and looked

I friend raved to me about this place for nearly a week before he took me there and I couldn't stop raving when I left. This tiny italian spot feels like your dining at someone's house. The food is AMAZING, but the ambience I thought, was

3

znmci
November 03, 20066L'osteria Del Forno

A tiny whole in the wall you'll love!

★★★★★

I friend raved to me about this place for nearly a week before he took me there and I couldn't stop raving when I left. This tiny italian spot feels like your dining at someone's house. The food is AMAZING, but the ambience I thought, was

This place is tiny and very narrow, but the food and service was great! Definitely has an older feel---i.e. not hip and trendy, but homey and comfortable. I ordered the special of the day which was cornish hen and it was excellent---not

3

geniechik
May 03, 20066L'osteria Del Forno

Good food, cute place

★★★★★

This place is tiny and very narrow, but the food and service was great! Definitely has an older feel---i.e. not hip and trendy, but homey and comfortable. I ordered the special of the day which was cornish hen and it was excellent---not

The review by the ghost just goes to show that you can't please everyone. This place is great! My husband and I eat here once a week, it reminds us of our trips to Italy. I'm sure if one is used to Ital/American food laden with thick

3

dcoe
March 24, 20066L'osteria Del Forno

I Love this place.

★★★★★

The review by the ghost just goes to show that you can't please everyone. This place is great! My husband and I eat here once a week, it reminds us of our trips to Italy. I'm sure if one is used to Ital/American food laden with thick

This is a fantastic store-front place. I have been coming for over 10 years and it is simple service and simple food done very well. My father has been a chef for over 45 years and loves this spot. Their focaccia is buttery and lovely

3

kirstendeery
March 10, 20066L'osteria Del Forno

Consistently Good

★★★★★

This is a fantastic store-front place. I have been coming for over 10 years and it is simple service and simple food done very well. My father has been a chef for over 45 years and loves this spot. Their focaccia is buttery and lovely

My absolute favorite restaurant in North Beach! L'Osteria is a tiny Italian trattoria that doesn't take reservations- but try and get a seat by the window. An ideal date place, that doesn't feel touristy in the least, given their location right on Columbus. They have amazing (free) focaccia and great daily specials like fresh made pumpkin ravioli and milk braised pork. Nice pizzas too.

My absolute favorite restaurant in North Beach! L'Osteria is a tiny Italian trattoria that doesn't take reservations- but try and get a seat by the window. An ideal date place, that doesn't feel touristy in the least, given their location right on Columbus. They have amazing (free) focaccia and great daily specials like fresh made pumpkin ravioli and milk braised pork. Nice pizzas too.

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theghostJan 23.

Don't be fooled! A long line does not necessarily equate to good dining! DO NOT FALL INTO THIS FALLACY!!!
Waited 40 minutes for a party of 3. Was waiting to be amazed, even with the cramped conditions tried to have an open mind and palate.

3

theghost
January 23, 20066L'osteria Del Forno

Don't believe the hype! Below Average.

★★★★★

Don't be fooled! A long line does not necessarily equate to good dining! DO NOT FALL INTO THIS FALLACY!!!
Waited 40 minutes for a party of 3. Was waiting to be amazed, even with the cramped conditions tried to have an open mind and palate.

We go here as often as possible when we are in San Francisco, one of the best places we have eaten anywhere. The pizza is incredible and the roasts amazing. The focaccia sandwiches have to be tasted to be believed.
The only two complaints

3

nsgordy
December 13, 20056L'osteria Del Forno

One of the Best

★★★★★

We go here as often as possible when we are in San Francisco, one of the best places we have eaten anywhere. The pizza is incredible and the roasts amazing. The focaccia sandwiches have to be tasted to be believed.
The only two complaints

I recently came back from Italy and wanted to keep the magic alive so I asked someone where I could find some great Italian food, REAL Italian food, not the Ital/American usual fair of Spaghetti and meatballs, or pasta swimming in alfredo

3

dkibby
August 10, 20056L'osteria Del Forno

simple but wonderful

★★★★★

I recently came back from Italy and wanted to keep the magic alive so I asked someone where I could find some great Italian food, REAL Italian food, not the Ital/American usual fair of Spaghetti and meatballs, or pasta swimming in alfredo

After waiting in line for over one hour, and stairing at an empty table for 30 minutes we were happy to find that the food didn't disappoint and was a great value. The pork was tender and delicious, pizza was great and the tiramisu is a

3

webradford3
July 05, 20056L'osteria Del Forno

Food worth it - Wait is not

★★★★★

After waiting in line for over one hour, and stairing at an empty table for 30 minutes we were happy to find that the food didn't disappoint and was a great value. The pork was tender and delicious, pizza was great and the tiramisu is a

Yes, the lines are long, but for good reason. This intimate restauarant, owned by two Italian sisters, is one of the best and most affordable places to eat in North Beach. My husband and I live just a few blocks away and come here often.

3

CCSeefer
July 01, 20056L'osteria Del Forno

A Neighborhood Treasure

★★★★★

Yes, the lines are long, but for good reason. This intimate restauarant, owned by two Italian sisters, is one of the best and most affordable places to eat in North Beach. My husband and I live just a few blocks away and come here often.

this is one of my favorite places to eat ... period. the roast of day (pork in milk sauce) is beyond succulent. i have yet to be disappointed at this hidden gem by either the food, wine or wonderful service. due to it's small size, a

3

cosmicmonkey
June 17, 20056L'osteria Del Forno

hidden gem in north beach

★★★★★

this is one of my favorite places to eat ... period. the roast of day (pork in milk sauce) is beyond succulent. i have yet to be disappointed at this hidden gem by either the food, wine or wonderful service. due to it's small size, a

because then it will just be more difficult to get in. When I step throught the door, I feel like I'm in an authentic italian bistro. There are only about 9 tables, so go early or late. The service is unpretentious. It's just great for a

3

couldbeany1
March 08, 20056L'osteria Del Forno

Please don't go here

★★★★★

because then it will just be more difficult to get in. When I step throught the door, I feel like I'm in an authentic italian bistro. There are only about 9 tables, so go early or late. The service is unpretentious. It's just great for a

Took a local's opinion and went to l'osteria on a Saturday evening. There was a small wait, as the restaurant is extremely small. Large antipasti menu... skip the bresaola... and try the prosciutto wrapped grilled radicchio. Pizza looked

3

jewelz129
January 16, 20056L'osteria Del Forno

pretty good food, great value

★★★★★

Took a local's opinion and went to l'osteria on a Saturday evening. There was a small wait, as the restaurant is extremely small. Large antipasti menu... skip the bresaola... and try the prosciutto wrapped grilled radicchio. Pizza looked

I visit SF about ten times a year, and I make a point of eating here at least once each trip. Quite simply, this is the best food in the City, in my opinion. On my last visit, I had two slices of margherita pizza, a tumbler of delicious

3

doubletee
January 03, 20056L'osteria Del Forno

Favorite SF Restaurant

★★★★★

I visit SF about ten times a year, and I make a point of eating here at least once each trip. Quite simply, this is the best food in the City, in my opinion. On my last visit, I had two slices of margherita pizza, a tumbler of delicious

Went there on a Friday night at 6:30 PM and we did not have to wait. However, by the time we left around 8:00 PM, there was a wait of about 8 tables deep. Guess we got there right before the crowd. Ordered the pumpkin ravioli which was

3

datrojanghogan
October 31, 20046L'osteria Del Forno

Tasty

★★★★★

Went there on a Friday night at 6:30 PM and we did not have to wait. However, by the time we left around 8:00 PM, there was a wait of about 8 tables deep. Guess we got there right before the crowd. Ordered the pumpkin ravioli which was

On a whim, we decided to dine here although we had to wait for close to half an hour! We found the pizza was delicious, the pork roast pretty good and the servers attentive, albeit aloof. Will definitely step in for dinner again if the

3

svlin
July 04, 20046L'osteria Del Forno

Delicious pizza!

★★★★★

On a whim, we decided to dine here although we had to wait for close to half an hour! We found the pizza was delicious, the pork roast pretty good and the servers attentive, albeit aloof. Will definitely step in for dinner again if the

I absolutely love this place. I took my family for the first time in Aprila nd had the best time. Although it is small, it is definitley one of the best places in all of North Beach. The waitress was attentive and helpful, the food was to

3

the_panda09
May 31, 20046L'osteria Del Forno

Love it!

★★★★★

I absolutely love this place. I took my family for the first time in Aprila nd had the best time. Although it is small, it is definitley one of the best places in all of North Beach. The waitress was attentive and helpful, the food was to

My husband & I, unsure of where to eat, actually spotted a young, hip couple apparently "on a mission" for dinner and followed them down the street to see where they were going. The lead us to L'Osteria. We were not terribly hungry at

3

sangeld
June 02, 20036L'osteria Del Forno

Fatal Attraction?!?!

★★★★★

My husband & I, unsure of where to eat, actually spotted a young, hip couple apparently "on a mission" for dinner and followed them down the street to see where they were going. The lead us to L'Osteria. We were not terribly hungry at

Very Romantic restaurant but come early/late unless you can accept a 45 min wait (no cozy bar to wait at, you are on the sidewalk buddy). Small and cozy once you are inside. One of the most romantic restaurants for a reasonable price and

3

fignewton114
February 14, 20036L'osteria Del Forno

Love is in the air....

★★★★★

Very Romantic restaurant but come early/late unless you can accept a 45 min wait (no cozy bar to wait at, you are on the sidewalk buddy). Small and cozy once you are inside. One of the most romantic restaurants for a reasonable price and

I've always heard great things about this place and it always makes the "cheap eats" lists that various SF websites and papers put out. First, it is not a cheap eat. The price may be OK, but the portions are tiny! They charge $9 for pasta

3

noefoodie
August 29, 20026L'osteria Del Forno

Not a cheap eat

★★★★★

I've always heard great things about this place and it always makes the "cheap eats" lists that various SF websites and papers put out. First, it is not a cheap eat. The price may be OK, but the portions are tiny! They charge $9 for pasta

I've been to L'Osteria twice now. Once with a friend over a year ago, and once with my parents and little brother while they were visiting the area recently. I was not happy with the food or service the first time I went; however, I

3

lysithea
August 13, 20026L'osteria Del Forno

over-rated; worth skipping

★★★★★

I've been to L'Osteria twice now. Once with a friend over a year ago, and once with my parents and little brother while they were visiting the area recently. I was not happy with the food or service the first time I went; however, I

went there for dinner on a week-end night: not a good idea... the place is small and popular, so had to wait for an awful long time. Waiting line is self-disciplined, which make it quite social. Whatever wait was worth it: we ordered

3

cedichou
August 06, 20026L'osteria Del Forno

oven magic

★★★★★

went there for dinner on a week-end night: not a good idea... the place is small and popular, so had to wait for an awful long time. Waiting line is self-disciplined, which make it quite social. Whatever wait was worth it: we ordered

We met out-of-town guests for brunch at this restaurant - had wonderful service and food! L'Osteria del Forno's specialities were definitely worth it and the waitresses were very informative in terms of differences between the dishes -

3

mgee
August 05, 20026L'osteria Del Forno

Delicious!

★★★★★

We met out-of-town guests for brunch at this restaurant - had wonderful service and food! L'Osteria del Forno's specialities were definitely worth it and the waitresses were very informative in terms of differences between the dishes -

I'm actually more partial to the other items on the menu at this great restaurant than the thin-crust pizza, but hey, if you put anything in front of me here I'll eat it. My friends gobble it right up!

3

MarkeBieschke_Citysearch
May 20, 20026L'osteria Del Forno

Okay Pizza

★★★★★

I'm actually more partial to the other items on the menu at this great restaurant than the thin-crust pizza, but hey, if you put anything in front of me here I'll eat it. My friends gobble it right up!

Editorial from

You'll find some of the best food in North Beach at L'Osteria del Forno in a space the size of a large walk-in closet. You will almost always experience a wait for a table, but it's worth it. L'Osteria hardly has a real kitchen-the cooking…

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